Defence to benefit from Jobi sale

Alan Pardew today admitted he needed to "sacrifice" young midfielder Jobi McAnuff in order to strengthen West Ham's back four.

A knee injury to captain Christian Dailly, which makes him doubtful for Sunday's match against Wigan, means that top of Pardew's wanted list is another defender.

McAnuff, who signed from Wimbledon for £340,000 in February, could today seal a £400,000 move to Cardiff and West Ham manager Pardew said: "I don't want to lose Jobi because he has great potential but I have to sacrifice him for the greater good of the team.

"I need to get a defender in quickly and Christian's injury has only highlighted that problem."

Everton, meanwhile, have emerged as the new front runners to sign Michael Carrick. Portsmouth and Crystal Palace remain interested in the player, while West Brom have been given permission to speak to him. Manager Gary Megson said: "We need to see if Michael actually wants to join any club, not just ours."